Contingencies and Healthcare Regulation (Guarantees) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Surety bonds	$ 3.0
Performance guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Surety bonds	$ 40.0

Amount of surety bonds that are available for the future payment under guarantees.

No definition available.

Name:	vhs_GuarantorObligationsSuretyBonds
Namespace Prefix:	vhs_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant